Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi
Summary
A federal appeals court in New York reversed a lower court decision that had ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, allowing his possible re-arrest as he faces deportation. Mahdawi is challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to expel him, but the appeals court said he must first go through the immigration court process before federal judges can review his claims.Key Facts
- The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a Vermont judge’s order to release Mohsen Mahdawi.
- The Vermont judge compared the government’s actions to McCarthy-era repression.
- The appeals court ruled the lower judge acted outside his authority by intervening too early.
- Mahdawi is fighting deportation under the Trump administration, accused of criticism against Israel.
- He became a U.S. legal permanent resident in 2015 and was arrested during a citizenship interview in April 2025.
- The court decided not to rule on whether Mahdawi’s constitutional rights were violated, saying he must exhaust immigration court appeals first.
- The American Civil Liberties Union represents Mahdawi and opposes his detention and deportation during appeals.
- A similar appeals ruling happened earlier this year involving another pro-Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil.
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